NOTTINGHAM'S hospitals have treated 150 victims of Female Genital Mutilation in the last two years.
A study by the NSPCC found that at least 1,700 victims were referred to specialist clinics across the UK between April 2011 and April 2013.
Of those, 150 were seen at Nottingham City Hospital's FGM clinic, the majority of which are thought to come from the city or county itself.
Other large urban areas in the Midlands also saw large numbers of cases – with 640 referrals made in Birmingham.
According to the NSPCC the figures reveal only a fraction of the true number of victims of FGM because many do not come forward for help.
Some clinics were also unwilling to share their data.
Lisa Harker, NSPCC Head of Strategy, said: "Children who are at risk or victims of female genital mutilation often don't even know it is abusive and harmful because it is done at the request of their family. They are told they are unclean and immoral if they are not 'cut' and that it is in their best interest.
"There is also a huge pressure within these communities to keep quiet about female genital mutilation."
FGM involves the full or partial removal of the external female genital organs.
It is a form of child abuse common to some African, Asian and Middle Eastern communities in the UK.
A NSPCC spokeswoman said: "Nottingham has a diverse demographic and there are many different communities within Nottingham which could explain why FGM is prevalent there."
In Nottingham, according to the 2011 census, 13 per cent of the city's residents are from Asia and seven per cent are African.
Two clinics for women who are pregnant and affected by FGM already run at Nottingham City Hospital. They will be opened up to non-pregnant women from this week.
The NSPCC has also launched a new helpline, which will provide advice, information or support for both victims and professionals who are concerned a child is at risk.
Victims of FGM are usually aged between four and ten but some are babies.
The practice leaves physical and psychological problems that can continue into adulthood, including health problems and damaged fertility.
It has been a criminal offence in the UK since 1985 and in 2003 it became an offence for UK nationals to carry out FGM abroad. However, no prosecution has ever been brought under the legislation.
Superintendent Helen Chamberlain, head of public protection at Notts Police, said: "Female Genital Mutilation is an illegal practice which Nottinghamshire Police takes very seriously. We work closely with our colleagues in health, education and social care to ensure that we are alive to the signs, symptoms of such practices and can react quickly to reports.
"Put simply, it is child abuse to a life-threatening degree which needs to be stopped."
The free 24-hour helpline on 0800 028 3550 at fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk will be manned by specially trained child protection experts and is for anyone who is concerned a child's welfare is at risk because of FGM.
